Quoting founding President John W. Conger’s words, President Rex M. Horne, Jr., told Ouachita Baptist University’s 2012 graduating class that “knowledge is no blessing unless it is used well and wisely.”

Marking Ouachita’s 125th annual spring commencement, a copy of President Conger’s inaugural commencement address from 1888 was carried in the academic processional along with the university mace.

“We’re in a world that has great challenge and great opportunity, and we believe that the hope for change rests in you,” Dr. Horne told the graduates. “All of us are most impressed with you and your generation and the commitment that you have.”

University officials conferred a total of 325 degrees on 318 graduates, including 259 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 46 Bachelor of Science degrees, 13 Bachelor of Music Education degrees and seven Bachelor of Music degrees. The Saturday morning service was held on the lawn of Ouachita’s historic Cone-Bottoms Hall. Constructed in 1923, Cone-Bottoms is the oldest current facility on the university campus.

Ouachita’s 2012 graduating class featured 120 honor graduates, including 24 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, 37 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA) and 59 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA). University officials also recognized 17 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program and 18 members of the Alpha Chi national honor society.

Three ROTC graduates commissioned with the rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army also were recognized: Jedidiah Allen of Mineola, Texas; Clinton DeWitt of Arkadelphia, Ark.; and David Nixon of Celeste, Texas.

“Friends, thank you for your service. You have made us a better university,” President Horne told the retiring faculty members. “We will not forget your sacrifice and toil at Ouachita across the years. You have done well.”

During the ceremony, Senior Class President Nolan West, a biology major from Bolivar, Mo., led the invocation and Jesse Pruett, a Christian studies and Biblical languages major from Harrison, Ark., read Scripture. Gene Whisenhunt, chair of the Ouachita Board of Trustees, led the closing prayer of dedication.

Dr. Horne presented a special Purple & Gold Heart Award to Faye Connell, whose grandson, T.J. Connell, received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Biblical studies and Christian ministries. As Mrs. Connell pushed her grandson’s wheelchair across the stage to receive his degree, Dr. Horne noted that she had assisted T.J. throughout his studies at Ouachita, driving him to campus each day from Hope, sitting with him in class and helping him with his notes and studies.

“The military has what’s called a Purple Heart that’s such an inspirational recognition and medal,” Dr. Horne said. “Ouachita has what’s called the Purple and Gold Heart Award that’s given occasionally for certain meritorious service and sacrifice.” The commencement crowd responded with a standing ovation as he concluded, “Certainly there’s no more fitting recipient today than Faye Connell.”

In his commencement address, President Horne noted that Dr. Conger emphasized that “character begets character” and that “our life should confirm the belief of our hearts.”

Ouachita's class of 2012 gathers for the commencement ceremony. Photo by Nicole McPhate.

“We pray that just as God blessed President Conger and those who shared the vision of Ouachita College … that God would bless the faculty, the staff, the administration and particularly the students of Ouachita with the same kind of zeal and passion as we now are well into the 21st century,” Dr. Horne added.

He suggested that when the 2012 graduating class gathers for its 50th anniversary Gold Tiger reunion in 2062, service will be a hallmark of their lives. “There is no word that would better serve this Alma Mater nor is there a word that would please more our Savior than the word service,” he said. “In service, it’s always about people,” both at home and around the world.

Ouachita Baptist University, a leading liberal arts university, is ranked nationally among “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazines. Founded in Arkadelphia in 1886, Ouachita seeks to foster a love of God and a love of learning in a Christ-centered learning community.

A video of Saturday’s commencement exercises is available on the university website at www.obu.edu/broadcast.

The following students participated in commencement and are listed in order of hometown: